WELCOME!
to the web pages where I (Geoffrey, 1950) attempt to share with you my research into The Espins of Lincolnshire. Whilst my research has essentially been aimed at my own family history, inevitably I stumbled upon other Espins in the process. I will include this information wherever possible. A great deal of investigation has been undertaken by others who have kindly allowed me to use the result of their labour in this site.
I thank Philip Dale, whose grandmother was Hannah Espin, for all of the information deriving from my great, great uncle Albert Espin (1879) including the Louth firefighters.
Stephanie Beecham, with whom I have no known connection, brought The Vicar of Tow Law to my attention as well as providing other information.
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Though a relatively rare surname in U.K. terms, Espin does seem to have a predominance in Lincolnshire, although my trail went decidedly cold prior to 1780. This may (or may not) be supportive of one particular theory that has Spanish Jews fleeing the Spanish Inquisition to safe haven in England. This would at least be in line with the opinion expressed in one of the most authoritative books on surnames:
English Surnames - their Sources and Significations
by Charles Wareing Bardsley, M.A.
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